HBA1C AND PLASMA TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-BETA 1 IN TYPE-2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS

Background: The diabetic microvascular pathophysiology is associated with many chronic inflammatory processes triggered by some cytokines and growth factors. Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGF beta-1) is considered to be a key mediator of the pathogenesis of microvascular complications associated with chronic hyperglycemia. We analyzed the correlation between HbA1c and TGF beta-1 plasma levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: We enrolled T2DM patients over the age of 18, then HbA1c level from venous blood samples supplemented with anticoagulants was measured by using HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). TGF beta-1 examination was performed by using ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and Human TGF beta-1 quantizing ELISA (R&D) reagent. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation test. Results: The number of research subjects was 30 patients. The median of HbA1c levels were 7.15% (4.7-13.6%). Median TGF beta-1 plasma levels were 150.8 pg/mL (23.6-2089.2 pg/mL). Spearman's correlation test showed a strong and significant positive correlation between HbA1c and TGF beta-1 plasma levels in patients with T2DM (rs = 0.637; p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was a strong and significant positive correlation between HbA1c and TGF beta-1 plasma levels in T2DM patients.